Iyakutti Kombiah | Materials Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement Award

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Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah | Materials Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah, an eminent physicist and computational materials scientist, has made outstanding contributions to condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, and energy storage research, with a career spanning over four decades. He obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Madras, followed by postdoctoral research in quantum chemistry at Uppsala University, Sweden, supported by SIDA. He served as Lecturer at the University of Madras, Reader and Professor at Madurai Kamaraj University, and later as Professor Emeritus and CSIR Emeritus Scientist at SRM University. His pioneering expertise lies in computational design and experimental validation of nanomaterials for hydrogen storage, photovoltaics, and CO₂ conversion, demonstrated through his leadership of multiple AOARD and ONRG-funded international projects. A prolific scholar with over 229 publications, 1,804 citations, and an h-index of 24, his research continues to influence the fields of energy materials and quantum chemistry. Dr. Iyakutti has held visiting positions at leading institutions in Japan, Canada, and the USA, fostering global collaborations. His recent works (2020–2025) focus on graphene-based hydrogen storage, Heusler alloys, and 2D nanomaterials, combining density functional theory with experimental studies. Honored with CSIR and UGC Emeritus Fellowships, he remains a leading figure advancing computational and sustainable energy materials research in India and beyond.

Profile: ORCID  | Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025). DFT based computational investigation of 2D monolayer gold (Au)–the goldene. Computational Condensed Matter, 25, e01132.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Jayan, S., AjayJawahar, K., Karthigeyan, A., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025). Heterostructuring, electronic and hydrogen storage properties of boron, carbon, nitrogen based 2D nanomaterials – A DFT study. International Journal of Computational Materials Science and Engineering, 14(3), 2550028.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025, February 26). DFT based computational investigation of 2D monolayer gold (Au)–the goldene. Preprint.

  • Kaliyaperumal, A., Periyasamy, G., Iyakutti, K., & Annamalai, K. (2024). Effect of a mesoporous NiCo₂O₄ urchin-like structure catalyzed with a surface oxidized LiBH₄ system for reversible hydrogen storage applications. RSC Advances, 14, 12345–12354.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., AjayJawahar, K., Lakshmi, I., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., Surya, V. J., Karthigeyan, A., & Kawazoe, Y. (2024). Interaction of H, H₂, and MgH₂ with graphene and possible application to hydrogen storage—A density functional computational investigation. International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 124(15), e27467.

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dongmei Wang | Inorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dongmei Wang | Inorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dongmei Wang , Inorganic Chemistry , Associate professor at Zhejiang Normal University, China 

Dr. Dongmei Wang is an accomplished researcher and academic in the field of materials chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparation Chemistry, Jilin University in 2016. Following her graduation, she joined the College of Chemistry and Materials Sciences at Zhejiang Normal University. In recognition of her academic contributions, she was promoted to Associate Professor and Master Supervisor in 2020. Dr. Wang has led several funded research projects, including those supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province. Her scholarly output includes over 30 papers published in SCI-indexed journals. Her primary research interests lie in the synthesis and assembly of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly for applications in gas adsorption and separation. With a growing reputation in her field, Dr. Wang continues to contribute meaningfully to both fundamental research and applied science.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Dongmei Wang is a highly qualified and emerging researcher in the field of inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry, with a focused specialization in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their application in gas adsorption and separation. Her academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparation Chemistry, Jilin University, a nationally recognized center of excellence. Since joining Zhejiang Normal University in 2016, she has demonstrated rapid academic growth, attaining the position of Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor by 2020. In conclusion, Dr. Dongmei Wang possesses the essential qualifications, research accomplishments, and societal relevance to be considered a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her early-career recognition through competitive grants, publication record, and rapid academic promotion all point to a dynamic and impactful scientific career. She is particularly suitable for this award in the emerging researcher or mid-career scientist category, and her contributions to environmentally significant applications further enhance her case.

🎓Education:

Dr. Dongmei Wang received her doctoral degree in 2016 from the State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparation Chemistry at Jilin University, one of China’s premier research institutions in the chemical sciences. Her Ph.D. work focused on the synthesis, design, and functionality of advanced inorganic and coordination materials. During her doctoral studies, she received rigorous training in the field of inorganic chemistry, especially in the design of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with controlled porosity and tailored functionalities. Her academic journey laid a solid foundation for her current research on porous materials and their environmental applications. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her undergraduate and possibly master’s studies (not specified) in related disciplines, which cultivated her passion for materials science. The comprehensive academic training she received equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and experimental skills necessary for her current research and teaching roles.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Dongmei Wang began her professional academic career in 2016 when she joined the College of Chemistry and Materials Sciences at Zhejiang Normal University as a faculty member. Within just four years, in 2020, she was promoted to the position of Associate Professor and Master Supervisor, acknowledging her contributions to both research and mentorship. At Zhejiang Normal University, she is actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising graduate students, and conducting independent research in materials chemistry. She has taken a leading role in managing research projects funded by both national and provincial foundations. Her expertise in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has positioned her as a recognized scientist in the field of porous materials. Throughout her career, Dr. Wang has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, fostering innovation, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her academic journey showcases a steady and impactful progression in both research and teaching.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Dongmei Wang has received several accolades and research grants that underscore her excellence in scientific research and academic leadership. Notably, she has been the principal investigator for a Youth Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)—a prestigious funding scheme supporting promising early-career scientists. She has also successfully led a project supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, highlighting regional recognition of her work. These competitive grants are awarded based on scientific merit and innovation potential, affirming the quality and relevance of her research. While specific honorary titles or awards are not detailed, her rapid promotion to Associate Professor and her role as a Master’s Supervisor by 2020 speak volumes about her scholarly reputation. Her publications in SCI-indexed journals further support her status as an influential researcher in porous materials and MOF chemistry.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Dongmei Wang’s research is centered on the design, synthesis, and functionalization of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These materials, known for their high surface areas, tunable porosity, and chemical versatility, are investigated for various applications under her supervision. A key area of interest in her lab is the application of MOFs in gas adsorption and separation, addressing urgent environmental and industrial challenges such as CO₂ capture, hydrogen storage, and selective gas separation. Her approach involves rational ligand and metal-node design to tailor the structural and adsorption properties of the frameworks. Additionally, Dr. Wang is exploring hybrid materials that combine MOFs with polymers or nanoparticles to improve stability and performance under real-world conditions. Her interdisciplinary research draws upon principles of inorganic chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering, and aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and high-efficiency gas capture technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Precipitation Conversion Induced Enhancement of Enzyme-Like Activity of Diatomite Supported Ag₂S Nanoparticles for Selective Hg(II) Detection via Colorimetric Signal Amplification

2. In Situ Production of Single-Cell Protein in Microbial Electrochemical Systems via Controlling the Operation and CO₂ Addition

3. Progress of MOFs Composites in the Field of Microwave Absorption

4. Reticular Chemistry Guided Function Customization: A Case Study of Constructing Low-Polarity Channels for Efficient C₃H₆/C₂H₄ Separation

5. Metal-Organic Framework with Polar Pore Surface Designed for Purification of Both Natural Gas and Ethylene

6. Revealing the Iceberg Beneath: A Merge-Net Approach for Designing Multicomponent Reticular Solids

7. Biomimetic Mineralization Synthesis of Tricobalt Tetraoxide/Nitrogen Doped Carbon Skeleton for Enhanced Capacitive Deionization

8. Assembly of Solvent-Incorporated Rod Secondary Building Units to Ultramicroporous Metal-Organic Frameworks for Acetylene Purification

 

 

Prof. Dr. Pengwei Zhao | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Pengwei Zhao | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pengwei Zhao | Medicinal Chemistry | Ph.D., Master’s Supervisor at Inner Mongolia Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China 

Dr. Pengwei Zhao is a Professor at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, he serves as a master’s supervisor and holds various academic positions. He is a member of the Jiusan Society and actively contributes to scientific research as a registered reviewer for Medical Science Monitor and Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. He is also a youth editorial board member of Modern Oncology and a director of the Inner Mongolia Bioengineering Society. His research focuses on tumor immunology and pharmacological mechanisms of Mongolian medicine. Dr. Zhao has led multiple national and regional research projects, including studies on β-defensins, immune resistance, and cancer treatment mechanisms. His contributions to microbiology and oncology are widely recognized, with several impactful publications in international journals.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Pengwei Zhao, a distinguished Professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University, has made significant contributions to tumor immunology, cancer pharmacology, and Mongolian medicine. His research on β-defensins and their role in immune modulation and cancer therapy has led to groundbreaking findings, particularly in colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). With numerous high-impact publications, including in Pharmacogenomics Journal and World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, his work is recognized globally. His ongoing National Natural Science Foundation of China project further highlights his leadership in cancer research.  Dr. Pengwei Zhao’s extensive research, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary approach make him an outstanding candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”. His contributions to immunotherapy, autophagy, and microbiome-related cancer treatments have the potential to shape future oncological therapies. Recognizing him with this award would honor his pioneering discoveries and impact on global cancer research.

🎓Education:

Dr. Pengwei Zhao holds a Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences with a specialization in tumor immunology and pharmacology. His doctoral research focused on β-defensin-mediated immune modulation and cancer therapy. He pursued his higher education at Inner Mongolia Medical University, where he developed expertise in molecular biology, pharmacology, and immunology. His early education emphasized microbiology and traditional Mongolian medicine. Dr. Zhao further enhanced his skills through postdoctoral research and collaborations with leading scientists in cancer biology. His education provided a strong foundation in oncological pharmacology, signaling pathways, and immune resistance mechanisms. He has continuously expanded his knowledge through national and international conferences, workshops, and training programs. His academic journey reflects a commitment to translational research, bridging basic science with clinical applications in cancer therapy.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhao has been a Professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University for several years, where he also serves as a Master’s Supervisor. His professional roles extend beyond teaching, as he holds multiple directorial positions in national and regional scientific societies. He is a reviewer for prestigious journals, including Medical Science Monitor and Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases. As a youth editorial board member of Modern Oncology, he actively contributes to cancer research. He has successfully led multiple research projects funded by national and regional agencies, focusing on cancer immunology, microbiology, and Mongolian medicine-based therapies. Additionally, Dr. Zhao has conducted collaborative research on β-defensins, autophagy, and immune resistance mechanisms. His expertise in pharmacological pathways and microbial interactions has significantly advanced the understanding of cancer treatment. He has also been invited as a speaker and panelist at various oncology and pharmacology conferences.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Pengwei Zhao has received multiple prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to tumor immunology and Mongolian medicine research. He has been honored by the Inner Mongolia Medical University for excellence in research and mentorship. His work on β-defensins and their role in cancer has earned him accolades from Inner Mongolia’s Science and Technology Department. He has also received distinguished reviewer awards from journals such as Medical Science Monitor and Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. As a key member of the Chinese Society of Ethnomedicine and Pharmacy, he has been acknowledged for his research on the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Mongolian medicine. His contributions to microbiology and immunology have been recognized by the Inner Mongolia Microbiology Society, and he has been invited as a young committee member of the Chinese Microbiological Society’s Clinical Microbiology Professional Committee.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Pengwei Zhao’s research primarily focuses on tumor immunology, cancer pharmacology, and the therapeutic potential of Mongolian medicine. He investigates the molecular mechanisms of β-defensins in cancer, particularly their role in immune regulation and tumor suppression. His work explores how β-defensin-1 peptides modulate PD-1/PD-L1 immune resistance in colorectal cancer. Additionally, he studies Mongolian medicinal formulations like Sendeng-4 and their mechanisms against skin cancer. His research also extends to microbiology, analyzing how bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, influence lung epithelial immune responses. Dr. Zhao has also contributed significantly to understanding long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their regulatory impact on autophagy pathways in cancer. His interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, molecular biology, and ethnopharmacology, providing novel insights into cancer therapy, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of targeted immunotherapies.

Publication Top Notes:

Upregulation of p300 in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC: implications for cell proliferation via the PCK1/AMPK axis

Authors: P. Zhao, Pengwei; J. Cui, Jiaxian; X. Wang, Xiumei

Journal: Pharmacogenomics Journal

Year: 2024

Citations: 2

Human β-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long non-coding RNA TCONS_00014506

Authors: Y. Zhao, Yuxin; Y. Cui, Yan; X. Li, Xinhong; L. Bao, Lili; P. Zhao, Pengwei

Journal: World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology

Year: 2024

Citations: 3

Effect of Staphylococcus aureus in pneumonia mouse model on promotion of mBD-3 expression through ERK1/2

Authors: Yongqing Ni, Xiaoduo Bi, Pengwei Zhao

Ligilactobacillus salivarius LZZAY01 accelerated autophagy and apoptosis in colon cancer cells and improved gut microbiota in CAC mice

Authors: Yang W, Li T, An S, Chen R, Zhao Y, Cui J, Zhang M, Lu J, Tian Y, Bao L, Zhao P

Journal: Microbiol Spectrum

Year: 2025

LPS Promoted HPMEC Autophagy by Suppression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR through Inhibited TIMAP-Promoted Moesin Expression in Sepsis

Authors: Jili Wen, Pengwei Zhao, HuiJuan Ren, JunMin Wu

Journal: Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents

Year: 2023